U.S. patent application number 13/765977 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for platen tape test method and device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Intertape Polymer Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Shaun Robert Graham, John Kinch Tynan, JR.. Invention is credited to Shaun Robert Graham, John Kinch Tynan, JR..
Application Number | 20130213127 13/765977 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48980531 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130213127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tynan, JR.; John Kinch ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
PLATEN TAPE TEST METHOD AND DEVICE
Abstract
A device for testing adhesive tape including a sample holder
located in a first plane and a movable platen having a major
surface located in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the
sample holder is located. The platen and the sample holder each
have an edge adjacent to the edge of the other, where the platen
and the sample holder are moveable with respect to each other such
that the movement of the platen with respect to the sample holder
separates the adjacent edges and thereby applies a load to a length
of tape that is secured to the surface of a sample in the holder
and secured to the surface of the platen during testing.
Inventors: |
Tynan, JR.; John Kinch;
(Port Huron, MI) ; Graham; Shaun Robert;
(Columbia, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tynan, JR.; John Kinch
Graham; Shaun Robert |
Port Huron
Columbia |
MI
SC |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Intertape Polymer
Corporation
Bradenton
FL
|
Family ID: |
48980531 |
Appl. No.: |
13/765977 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61600127 |
Feb 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/150A |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 19/04 20130101;
G01N 2203/0476 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/150.A |
International
Class: |
G01N 19/04 20060101
G01N019/04 |
Claims
1. A device for testing tape comprising a sample holder located in
a first plane, a movable platen having a major surface located in a
plane perpendicular to the plane in which the sample holder is
located, the platen and the sample holder each having an edge
adjacent to the edge of the other, the platen and the sample holder
being moveable with respect to each other such that the movement of
the platen with respect to the sample holder separates their
adjacent edges and thereby applies a load to a length of tape that
is secured to the surface of a sample in the holder and secured to
the surface of the platen during testing.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sample holder retains the
sample in the plane of the sample holder during testing.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the sample holder includes a
retaining member that pivots between an open position which permits
the sample to be placed in and removed from the sample holder and a
closed position which retains the sample in the sample holder
during testing.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the device further includes a
timer.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein the device includes a switch which
signals the timer to begin recording the elapsed time, and the
device records or displays the time to failure when the tape
fails.
6. The device of claim 4 wherein the load applied to the tape by
moving the platen can be varied.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the device further includes a
control panel for selecting the load applied to the tape during the
test.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the control panel displays the
time to failure.
9. The device of claim 1 further including a plurality of
additional devices for simultaneously testing a plurality of tapes
under different loads and/or conditions.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the adjacent edges are
parallel.
11. A device for testing tape comprising a sample holder located in
a first plane, a movable platen having a major surface located in a
plane perpendicular to the plane in which the sample holder is
located, the platen and the sample holder each having an edge
adjacent and parallel to the edge of the other, the platen and the
sample holder being moveable with respect to each other such that
the movement of the platen with respect to the sample holder
separates their adjacent edges and thereby applies a load to a
length of tape that is secured to the surface of a sample in the
holder and secured to the surface of the platen during testing,
wherein the device includes a control panel for selecting the load
applied to the tape during the test, wherein the load can be
varied, and wherein the device includes a switch and a timer, and
the switch signals the timer to being recording the elapsed time,
and the device records or displays the time to failure when the
tape fails.
12. A method for testing a tape comprising the steps of: adhering a
length of tape to a sample, a portion of the length of tape
extending from the sample, placing the sample in a sample holder,
the sample holder being located in a plane and having an edge
adjacent an edge of a movable platen, the sample holder and the
platen being located perpendicular to one another along their
adjacent edges, adhering the portion of the tape extending from the
sample to the platen, actuating the platen to apply a load to the
tape, contemporaneously measuring the time that elapses between
applying the load to the tape and the time the tape fails.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of adhering a length of
tape to the sample is performed using a roller that applies a
predetermined pressure to the tape as the tape is adhered to the
sample.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the sample is retained in a jig
as the roller adheres the tape to the sample.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/600,127, filed on Feb. 17, 2012, and entitled Platen
Tape Test Method and Device, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and devices for
evaluating the adhesion strength of tapes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a test method and device for
determining the time to adhesive failure of carton sealing tape
when applied to a corrugated or recycled linerboard samples and the
like. The test is designed to measure the abilities of different
sealing tapes to adhere to different substrates such as corrugated
and linerboard. The adhesion of a sealing tape for a particular
substrate varies with a number of different factors including
temperature, humidity, and the fiber content and the method to
manufacture of the substrate. For example, the surfaces of similar
fiber boards may also exhibit considerable variation between mills,
batches and within batches. Common adhesive tape testing methods
test tensile, 180.degree. peel, and shear. The method measures and
plots load and time.
SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment of the invention is a device for testing
adhesive tape including a sample holder located in a first plane
and a movable platen having a major surface located in a plane
perpendicular to the plane in which the sample holder is located.
The platen and the sample holder each have an edge adjacent to the
edge of the other, where the platen and the sample holder are
moveable with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to
the adjacent edges such that the movement of the platen with
respect to the sample holder separates the adjacent edges and
thereby applies a load to a length of tape that is secured to the
surface of a sample in the holder and secured to the surface of the
platen during testing.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention is a device for testing
tape including a sample holder located in a first plane and a
movable platen having a major surface located in a plane
perpendicular to the plane in which the sample holder is located.
The platen and the sample holder each having an edge adjacent and
parallel to the edge of the other, and the platen and the sample
holder are moveable with respect to each other such that the
movement of the platen with respect to the sample holder separates
their adjacent edges and thereby applies a load to a length of tape
that is secured to the surface of a sample in the holder and
secured to the surface of the platen during testing. The device
includes a control panel for selecting the load applied to the tape
during the test, wherein the load can be varied, and the device
includes a switch and a timer, where the switch signals the timer
to being recording the elapsed time, and the device records or
displays the time to failure when the tape fails.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention is a method for testing
a tape, including the steps of adhering a length of tape to a
sample, a portion of the length of tape extending from the sample,
placing the sample in a sample holder, the sample holder being
located in a plane and having an edge adjacent an edge of a movable
platen, the sample holder and the platen being located
perpendicular to one another along their adjacent edges, adhering
the portion of the tape extending from the sample to the platen,
and actuating the platen to apply a load to the tape,
contemporaneously measuring the time that elapses between applying
the load to the tape and the time the tape fails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an array of platen
testers;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view a platen tester in an
open configuration;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of a platen tester containing a
sample;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the platen tester of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a linerboard sample;
[0012] FIG. 6A is a top view of a jig in an open position;
[0013] FIG. 6B is a top view of a jig in a closed position
containing a sample;
[0014] FIG. 6C is a side view of the jig of FIG. 6A taken along
line 6C.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a jig with a roller
applying pressure to a sample.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic of the electronic components for use
with a platen testing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a testing
array 10 including a plurality of platen testers 100. Testing array
10 may include any number of platen testers 100, and in one
embodiment, platen testers 100 may be arranged in pairs to form an
array 10 of sixteen testers 100 arranged in eight pairs of testers
100.
[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, platen tester 100 has a sample
holder 102 and a moveable platen 104. Platen 104 has a major
surface 106 in a first plane, and sample holder 102 is positioned
to hold a sample of a substrate or adherend 108 in a second plane
110 substantially perpendicular to major surface 106 of platen 104.
Platen 104 has a holder-proximate edge 112 adjacent to a
platen-proximate edge 114 of sample holder 102. Edges 112, 114 may
be substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each
other. Sample holder 102 and platen 104 may both be attached to or
positioned relative to a mounting structure 103 to maintain the
relative positioning of sample holder 102 and platen 104. Sample
108 includes a section of adhesive tape 116 adhered thereto, and
tape 116 extends beyond edge 114 of sample holder 102 and attaches
to major surface 106 of platen 104, thereby forming an "L-clip"
section 118 of tape 116. In one embodiment, there is a span 120 of
tape 116 between sample 108 and platen 104 where tape 116 is not
adhered to any surface.
[0019] Platen 104 and sample holder 102 are moveable with respect
to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to edges
112, 114, such that movement of platen 104 with respect to sample
holder 102 separates edges 112, 114 from each other, but maintains
their substantial parallelism. When platen 104 is moved relative to
sample holder 102 while platen tester 100 contains a sample 108 of
a substrate or adherend such as linerboard, with tape 116 attached
to both sample 108 and platen 104, this relative movement applies a
measurable load to tape 116 that can be analyzed to evaluate the
strength of the adhesive bond of tape sample 116 to substrate or
adherend sample 108. In the depicted embodiments of platen tester
100, moveable platen 104 is oriented generally horizontally, and
sample holder 102 is oriented to hold sample 108 generally
vertically. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
platen 104 and sample holder 102 may be positioned in any spatial
orientation so long as platen 104 and sample 108 are substantially
perpendicular to each other as earlier described.
[0020] Referring now to an embodiment of sample holder 102, and
still referring to FIGS. 2-4, sample holder 102 may include a
generally flat mounting surface 122 substantially perpendicular to
major surface 106 of platen 104. Thus, substrate sample 108 may be
positioned substantially flat against mounting surface 122 to
maintain sample 108 in the plane of sample holder 102 during
testing. Sample holder 102 may have one or more spaced tabs 124
defining one or more slots 126, where slots 126 receive an edge of
sample 108, and tabs 124 retain sample 108 in sample holder 102
during the operation of platen tester 100. Tabs 124 and slots 126
may be sized to retain a sample 108 with a particular width (e.g.,
1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, or 1/2 inch), or tabs 124 may include an
adjustment mechanism (not shown) to vary the width of slots 126 to
facilitate the use of sample holder 102 with samples 108 of
different widths. Tabs 126 may be positioned on multiple edges of
sample holder 102 to retain multiple edges of sample 108.
[0021] Sample holder 102 may include a retaining member 130.
Retaining member 130 may be pivotal between an open position for
sample loading (see FIG. 2) and a closed position for sample
testing (see FIGS. 3-4). In the open position, retaining member 130
does not obstruct access to mounting surface 122, and thus sample
108 may be readily inserted within slots 126 and positioned flush
against mounting surface 122. In the closed position, retaining
member 130 secures sample 108 against mounting surface 122 thereby
preventing dislocation of sample 108 during testing.
[0022] In one embodiment of retaining member 130, sample holder 102
includes a base or extension 128 that is generally perpendicular to
mounting surface 122 and generally parallel with platen-proximate
edge 114, and retaining member 130 is pivotally attached to base
128 via a hinge 133 (rotatable about axis x). Retaining member 130
may be generally "L" shaped, with a first portion 132 generally
perpendicular to a second portion 134. To transition from the open
position to the closed position, retaining member 130 rotates about
axis x of hinge 133, which moves first portion 132 of retaining
member 130 generally flush against and parallel with base 128 and
moves second portion 134 of retaining member 130 into position
generally parallel with mounting surface 122, thereby securing
sample 108 between the generally parallel faces of second portion
134 of retaining member 130 and mounting surface 122. First portion
132 of retaining member 130 may be sized to ensure that in the
closed position, the distance between second portion 134 and
mounting surface 122 will be approximately equal to the width of
slots 126 (or slightly less than the width of slots 126 to hold
sample 108 more strongly). If tabs 124 are adjustable to vary the
width of slots 126, base 128 or first portion 132 of retaining
member 130 may be similarly adjustable to accommodate samples 108
of different sizes. Also, to better secure retaining member 130 in
the closed position, base 128 and first portion 132 of retaining
member 130 may include mateable features such as magnets, snaps, or
other releasable attachment mechanisms. Retaining member 130 may
also include a handle 136 to provide leverage to a user and assist
in the transition between the open and closed positions.
[0023] One skilled in the art will appreciate that retaining member
130 may take any of a variety of different forms other than the
described embodiment, so long as it is positionable to secure a
sample 108 against mounting surface 122. For instance, retaining
member 130 may be a clamp connected to sample holder 102 or
mounting structure 103, a sliding mechanism along base 128, a
magnet, a screw or nail that passes directly through sample 108,
glue, adhesive, mateable releasable connectors (such as snaps, hook
and loop connectors, etc.) affixed to mounting surface 122 and
sample 108), and the like. Further, in embodiments including a
hinge, hinge 133 may take any of a variety of forms known in the
art consistent with the described functionality.
[0024] Referring now to an embodiment of platen 104 of platen
tester 100, and still referring to FIGS. 2-4, platen 104 is
supported by at least one actuator such as rod 138. Rod 138 is
moveable to raise and lower major surface 106 of platen 104
relative to sample holder 102 such that edges 112, 114 remain
substantially parallel to each other, yet the distance between
edges 112, 114 varies. Rod 138 may be powered by actuator 141.
Actuator 141 may be any component or device capable of applying the
requisite force to raise major surface 106 of platen 104 for the
purpose of applying a specified load to tape 116, such as a motor,
a pneumatic or hydraulic pump, and the like. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that other mechanisms besides rod 138 and actuator
141 may be used to raise and lower major surface 106 of platen 104
relative to sample holder 102 and apply a load without departing
from the scope of this invention. For instance, platen 104 may be
supported from above or from the side instead of from below and
still maintain the requisite range of motion, or platen 104 may be
stationary and sample holder 102 may be moveable to achieve the
same net result.
[0025] Platen 104 may also include one or more spacer panel 140
generally perpendicular to major surface 106 to ensure the proper
minimum spacing between major surface 106 and mounting structure
103. Spacer panels 140 may be on the sides of platen 104 (see FIGS.
2-4), and/or they may be attached to other portions of platen
104.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, sample 108 may take any of a wide
variety of forms. In one embodiment, sample 108 is a generally
rectangular piece of test material with dimensions of about four
inches by three inches, but it should be understood that the
specific shape and size of sample 108 is dictated by the size and
shape of sample holder 102, which may take any of a wide variety of
sizes and shapes without negatively impacting its function. Sample
108 may be cardboard, linerboard, plastic, metal, wood, or any
other material to which the adhesion strength of tape 116 is to be
tested. If sample 108 is sufficiently thick to fit in sample holder
102 (i.e. it has a thickness that is approximately equal to the
width of slots 126), sample 108 may not require modification before
insertion into sample holder 102. However, if sample 108 is too
thin for direct testing, modification may be necessary. For
example, a piece of linerboard 142 may be prepared for testing by
attaching linerboard 142 to a piece of cardboard 144 of the
appropriate thickness with double-sided tape 146 or by other
appropriate attachment methods as known in the art.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, a jig 148 is disclosed for use
in the preparation of sample 108 to facilitate the proper adherence
of tape 116 to sample 108 to ensure that tape 116 is applied to a
uniform surface area of each sample 108. In one embodiment, jig 148
is a generally flat, planar body 150 defining a frame 152 therein.
Frame 152 is sized and shaped to contain sample 108, generally
conforming with the dimensions of sample 108 (in one embodiment,
four inches by three inches). Frame 152 may have a depth
approximately equal to the thickness of sample 108, such that when
sample 108 is inserted into frame 152, the surface of the jig
148/sample 108 complex is generally flat. Alternately, only a
portion of the jig 148/sample 108 may be generally flat, for
instance along only one edge of frame 152. Frame 152 may be a hole
extending completely through body 150, or frame 152 may be a
depression within body 150.
[0028] Jig 148 may have a flap 154 with an edge 156 positionable to
overlay a pre-defined portion of frame 152. Flap 154 may span an
entire edge of frame 152 as shown, or flap 154 may overlay only a
portion of the width of frame 152. Flap 154 may be pivotally
attached to body 150. In one embodiment, flap 154 is attached to
body 150 via a hinge 158, and flap 154 is thus rotatable about axis
y between an open position where flap 154 does not overlay frame
152 (FIGS. 6A, 6C, and 7) and a closed position where flap 154 does
overly frame 152 (FIG. 6B). Jig body 150 and/or flap 154 may
include release layers 160, 161 to which tape 116 will not strongly
adhere.
[0029] With the basic structures of platen tester 100, sample 108,
and jig 148 described, a method for preparing sample 108 with tape
116 and testing sample 108 using platen tester 100 will now be
disclosed.
[0030] Still referring now to FIGS. 6-7, to apply tape 116 to
sample 108, a sample 108 of the appropriate size is positioned
within frame 152 of jig 148, with flap 154 in the open position
(FIG. 6C). Flap 154 is then moved into the closed position such
that flap 154 overlays sample 108 to the extent of edge 156 (in the
embodiment of FIG. 6, flap 154 is pivoted about axis y to
accomplish this). As shown in FIG. 6B, a length of tape 116 with a
first, sample-contact end 162 and a second, platen-contact end 164
is applied to sample 108 and jig 148 generally perpendicular to
edge 158 of flap 154. Second end 164 may extend beyond an edge 170
of sample 108 and, in one embodiment, beyond an outer edge of jig
body 150 as well. Release layers 160, 161 should prevent tape 116
from strongly adhering to jig body 150 and flap 154. Tape 116 is
cut at first end 162 along a line generally defined by edge 156 of
flap 154, excising a segment 166 of tape 116 that overlays release
layer 161 of flap 154 (segment 166 may be discarded). Thus, the
pre-determined surface area of sample 108 covered by tape 116 is
uniform for each sample 108 (assuming a constant width of tape
116), because edge 156 of flap 154 fairly precisely defines the
positioning of first end 162 of tape 116 upon sample 108. Flap 154
is then returned to the open position, and tape 116 is pressed
against sample 108, for example with a pressure roller 168, to
apply a predetermined amount of pressure to tape 116 (e.g., 1, 2,
3, or 4 pounds). When tape 116 is adhered to sample 108, a portion
of the length of tape 116 extending from release layer 160 is
removed (defining the extent of second end 164), resulting in a
segment of tape 116 of a predetermined size (e.g., two inches by
six inches). Sample 108, with end 162 of tape 116 attached thereto
and end 164 of tape 116 extending beyond edge 170, may then be
removed from jig 148 for use with platen tester 100.
[0031] Referring back to FIGS. 2-4, with retaining member 130 in
the open position, prepared sample 108 may be inserted into sample
holder 102. Sample 108 should be oriented generally flat against
mounting surface 122 with edge 170 received in slots 126 of tabs
124, and with free second end 164 of tape 116 extending beyond edge
114 of sample holder 102. Retaining member 130 may then be
transitioned to the closed position, securing sample 108 in place
as earlier described. Free second end 164 of tape 116 may then be
guided past edge 114 of sample holder 102, past edge 112 of platen
104, and securely adhered (for instance, with the pressure of a
user's fingers) to major surface 106 of platen 104, thereby
defining "L-clip" section 118 of tape 116 between edges 112, 114.
Testing of sample 108 may commence with the activation of rod
actuator 141 to raise rod 138 to apply a predetermined load to tape
116 as earlier described, resulting in sheer tension between tape
116 and sample 108. As will be explained in more detail below,
platen tester 100 may also include a timer 184 capable of
automatically and contemporaneously measuring the time that elapses
between applying the load to tape 116 and sample 108 and the time
of failure.
[0032] Platen tester 100 may be used to collect various types of
data pertaining to the strength of the adhesion between tape 116
and sample 108. In one case, a constant, predetermined load may be
applied, and the time elapsed between the initial activation of
platen tester 100 and the failure of sample 108 may be recorded.
"Failure" occurs when tape 116 detaches at least partially from
sample 108 because it lacks sufficient adhesive strength to resist
the force of the load. In another case, a variable, increasing load
may be applied, and the applied force strength at the moment of
failure may be recorded. Or, a combination of these testing methods
may be used.
[0033] For any of these methods, or other methods using platen
tester 100, data may be compiled for various samples 108 using
various tapes 116 with various loads, and the strengths and
weaknesses of different combinations of samples 108 and tapes 116
may thus be quantitatively evaluated and compared. In addition to
varying the load applied by actuator 141 to rod 138, other
variables may be incorporated into the tests. For example, adhesion
strength may be assessed at various temperatures and humidity
levels to determine how a particular sample 108 functions in
conjunction with a particular tape 116 at a particular temperature
and humidity level (e.g., 35.degree. F. with 25% relative humidity,
72.degree. F. with 50% relative humidity, or 105.degree. F. with
75% relative humidity). Thus, an array 10 of a plurality of platen
testers 100 may be provided with the capability of performing the
same or different tests simultaneously to accommodate more
efficient comparative testing (and more accurate comparative
testing in situations where room conditions are a factor).
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8, platen tester 100 may be configured
to communicate with other pieces of equipment to automate the
testing and data recording process or to otherwise control the
functionality of platen tester 100. For instance, platen tester 100
may be connected to a control panel 172 such as a computer. Control
panel 172 may have a user interface 174 to input commands or
settings for platen tester 100, such as the load to apply (e.g.,
two, four, six, eight, ten, or twelve pounds), the type of test to
perform, the test duration, room attributes such as temperature and
humidity, start and stop commands, and other functions pertinent to
the use of platen tester 100. User interface 174 may be a keyboard,
a touch screen, a voice activated control, or any other device
capable of facilitating the transfer of information from a user to
platen tester 100. Control panel 172 may also communicate with a
display 176 to provide a visual representation of information
related to all aspects and features of platen tester 100, including
inputted commands and features, the status of tests currently
underway (load information, testing time, etc.), completed tests
(time to failure, etc.), and settings for future tests. Control
panel 172 may also provide access to information stored in a data
storage device 178 such as a hard drive, a portable flash drive, or
the like, capable of storing test-related information. Control
panel 172, user interface 174, display 176, and data storage device
178 may be separate components electrically connected by a wired or
wireless connection, or two or more of these devices 172, 174, 176,
178 may be integrated into a single component performing two or
more of the above-described functions. A single control panel 172
may be configured to communicate with multiple platen testers 100
in an array 10, separately or in tandem.
[0035] Platen tester 100 may include one or more sensors 180, such
as a load cell, to detect the moment that a load is applied to
sample 108 through actuation of platen 104, and also the moment of
failure when tape 116 detaches from sample 108. Sensor 180 may link
to a switch 182, which signals a timer 184 to begin timing at the
moment of load application and to stop timing at the moment of
failure. Switch 182 may be a physical component, or it may be a
virtual switch. Switch 182 may also link to a recorder 186 capable
of storing data related to the time to failure and/or the force of
the load at the time of failure. Timer 184 and/or recorder 186 may
be linked to control panel 172 to provide a user with access to
information and settings related to timer 184 and/or recorder 186
via display 176.
[0036] As used in this specification and the claims to follow, when
the word "substantially" is used to modify a term with a precise
definition such as "planar," "perpendicular," "parallel," "equal,"
"flat," or the like, the modified term should be interpreted to
include variations that differ in only minor respects from the
precise definition, but nonetheless impress upon one skilled in the
art the concept at issue. For instance, two lines may be
"substantially perpendicular" if the two lines are within a few
degrees of perpendicular. The term "generally" is similarly defined
as a modifier, but with a slightly larger tolerance. Further,
"generally" fully encompasses "substantially," such that, for
example, if two lines are "substantially" parallel, they are also
"generally" parallel.
[0037] Having described the invention in detail and with respect to
specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that numerous
modifications and variations are possible without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined below.
* * * * *